23
Susan felt Ashley’s hand pull away.
A feeling spread inside.
Like when Harry asked for a divorce.
Ashley was gone.
She went on.
Г
Like she was embracing the sun.
Never looking back.
After the marriage, Susan realized she was
mean.
She wanted to care.
But Ashley was always calm, and Susan felt
guilty.
They drifted apart.
She was helpless.
After college, Ashley moved out.
She rented a place.
Г
Susan saw her working.
She felt bad, but she couldn’t help.
Her marriage took all her money.
She couldn’t do what Harry did.
She didn’t have enough money.
Ashley was gone.
She cried.
She remembered.
Her ex–husband’s neighbor had a 7–year–old
daughter.
Г
She laughed, and whined to her mom.
She wanted a dress, ice cream, and her
parents at school.
She yelled, “Thanks Mom! You’re the best!”
Ashley never whined.
She was scared of me.
How could she be like that?
